The world went black like someone ripped the plug from the sky.

Noa’s breath hitched, his hand still clutching Alessio’s. “Shit”

The hallway lights flickered once, then died. Only the low hum of the rain and the pounding of boots thundered through the safehouse.

“Stay down,” Alessio growled, his voice a low rasp against Noa’s ear. His grip tightened despite the bandages, his body still raw from blood loss but wired with something feral.

Noa crouched beside him, fingers digging ...